Compensation of simple fibre optic Faraday effect sensors

ABSTRACT

An electric current measurement device includes a housing defining first and second open ends sealed by first and second sealing means, respectively; a first optical fibre received in an aperture in the first sealing means and in optical communication with a first optical lens in the housing; a first polarisation filter in the housing in optical communication with the first lens; a magneto-optical rod within the housing in optical communication with the first polarisation filter; a second polarisation filter in the housing in optical communication with the rod; and a second optical lens in the housing in optical communication with the second polarisation filter. The second sealing means has an aperture for receiving a second optical fibre fixed to the second lens. First and second lids, attachable to the first and second housing ends, respectively, include apertures for receiving the first and second optical fibres, respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending InternationalApplication No. PCT/DK2004/000337, filed May 12, 2004, and it claims thebenefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. provisional application No.60/471,551, filed May 19, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference.

FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a Faraday optical current sensor withpolarimetric detection. The present invention further relates to amethod of calibrating a current sensor system including a Faradayoptical current sensor.

The power industry has a need for monitoring transformer stations forpower surges and measurement of large current pulses. For thesepurposes, a Faraday Effect current sensor has several advantages. AFaraday Effect current sensor may be constructed from dielectricmaterials, which is of grave importance when measuring at high currentsin the presence of substantial electric magnetic interference. FaradayEffect current sensors may employ a coil of an optical fibre or a numberof optical fibres, formed of a material exhibiting the Faraday Effect inresponse to a magnetic field generated by an electric current. A numberof prior art patent publications describe Faraday optical currentsensors, such as the US publications U.S. Pat. No. 4,894,608, U.S. Pat.No. 5,051,577, U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,754, U.S. Pat. No. 5,811,964, U.S.Pat. No. 6,043,648, all of which are hereby incorporated in the presentspecification by reference.

In a Faraday effect current sensor, the polarisation plane of apolarised incident light undergoes a rotation, which is a function ofthe magnetic field created by the electric current to be measured.

The current to be measured can be determined by determining the angle ofrotation of the polarization plane of the light on output of the opticalsensor. When the light passes through a glass rod the light undergoes arotation. The angle of rotation may be described by the formula:β=V×B×dWere β is the angle of rotation, d is the length of the sensing element,V is the material constant of the glass rod named Verdets constant and Bis the magnetic field described as a vector. The Verdet constant is bothtemperature and wavelength dependent.

In a Faraday Effect current sensor, a light source generates light,which is passed through a polarisation filter or otherwise polarisedprior to travelling through the magneto-optical sensitive material. Thepolarised incident light undergoes a rotation, which is a function ofthe magnetic field created by the electrical current to be measured. Thecurrent to be measured may be determined by metering the angle ofrotation of the polarisation plane of the light at the output of theFaraday optical current sensor.

The fibre optic current sensor including the light source and detectoris sensitive to, among other things, optical noise in the detectioncircuit, electrical noise in light source, interference from magneticfields from nearby inductors and systems, sensor mounting and setup,conductor shape and diameter, sensor production tolerances, temperatureeffect on Verdets constant, temperature effect on light source anddetector, light source and detector degradation over the productslifetime

The determination of the current to be measured is subject to a numberof sources of error. Any system based on optics or electrical circuitsare sensitive to noise and other signal degradations, such as opticalnoise or interference from electro-magnetic sources. A system comprisinga light source, a light detection unit and an optical conduit such as anoptical fibre may suffer loss of sensitivity due to optical dampeningcaused by defects in material used to form an optical conduit or devicesuch as lenses or optical fibres. Light sources and light detectioncircuitry may be exposed to electrical noise or interference frommagnetic fields from nearby inductors or systems alternatively noisecaused by fluctuations in the power supply. Also environmentalconditions such as temperature have an effect on material propertiessuch as Verdets constant and also an effect on the noise generated inthe light source and in the light detection circuitry. Furthermore, allelectrical components and light sources and light detection elementssuffer degradation over time. All the factors mentioned above contributeto a reduced precision of the measurements performed by the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A calibration prior to commencing measurements and monitoring of atransformer station by using a Faraday optical current sensor iscontemplated to give a more precise determination of the current in theelectrical conductor. Furthermore, a precise measurement depends onhaving a stable light source outputting a constant amount of light,alternatively determination of the change of the intensity of the lightfrom the light source as well as light intensity changes caused bytemperature variations.

A system for monitoring a transformer station may be fitted with a datacollection and data transmission unit for transmitting the collecteddata to one or more computers monitoring a number of transformerstations. These communication units may be constituted by wirelessconnections or fixed connections such as POTS/PSTN networks. Thecommunication from the measurement system mounted in the individualtransformer stations to a central computer may include information onaverage loads, current peaks, actual current for the high voltagecurrent lines, energy direction, maximum currents, actual voltages,ambient temperature and time stamps for all the above-mentionedinformation. Furthermore, the measurement system may include an alertfunction for alerting an operator in a power supply company aboutsituations where the peak current is above a given maximum threshold,alternatively below a minimum threshold, a situation where the voltageis above maximum threshold, alternatively below a minimum threshold orother information such as ambient temperatures being out of range, allof which indicate some failure or fault in the transformer station.

The communication unit further provides the opportunity of performing aremote configuration of the system, giving an operator the possibilityto configure the system, e.g. defining levels for peak currents, voltagedrop out levels, time out values and alerting options.

The system outlined above may also be employed in industries such aswindmills or in power plants such as coal driven or nuclear plants andis not limited to applications in transformer stations.

The present invention also relates to a method of measuring high voltagecurrent in electrical conductors, said method comprising:

-   -   providing a light source, said light source being an LED based        light source, alternatively an incandescent light source,    -   providing a first optical conduit being a first optical fibre,        said first optical conduit conducting light emitted from said        light source,    -   providing an optical electric current measurement device        comprising:    -   a housing defining a first open end and a second open end        opposite said first open end,    -   a first sealing means having an aperture, said first sealing        means having an overall geometrical configuration corresponding        to the overall geometrical configuration of said first open end        of said housing, said first sealing means further comprising an        aperture adapted for receiving said first optical fibre,    -   a first fixture means for fixating said first optical fibre,    -   a first optical lens having a reception part adapted for        receiving said first fixture means for mounting said first        optical fibre in optical continuation with said first optical        lens, said first optical lens mounted in said housing,    -   a first polarisation filter mounted in said housing in optical        continuation with said first optical lens,    -   a glass rod received in and encapsulated within said housing in        optical continuation with said first polarisation filter, said        glass rod being constructed from a material having        magneto-optical properties,    -   a second polarisation filter mounted in said housing in optical        continuation with said glass rod,    -   a second optical lens mounted in said housing in optical        continuation with said second polarisation filter, said second        optical lens adapted for receiving a second fixture means,    -   a second fixture means for fixating a second optical fibre, said        second fixture means received in said second optical lens,    -   a second sealing means for sealing said second end of said        housing, said second sealing means having an aperture for        receiving a second optical fibre, said second sealing means        mounted in said second end of said housing end, and    -   a first and second lid adapted for fixation to said first and        second end, respectively, of said housing, said first and second        lid including an aperture for receiving said first and second        optical fibre respectively,    -   said optical electric current measurement device receiving said        light from said first optical conduit,    -   a second optical conduit being said second optical fibre, said        second optical conduit receiving said light emitted from said        optical electric current measurement device,    -   providing a detection means for detecting said light emitted        from said second optical conduit and converting said received        light to an electrical signal,    -   providing a processing means for processing said electrical        signal from said detection means,    -   providing a current measurement system for performing        calibration measurements for said system, and    -   providing a first communications means.

The calibration may be performed to eliminate signal degradations, e.g.caused by worn or damaged components, and may also compensate forinterference from other sources emitting electrical fields, such asother electrical cables.

When the sensor is placed on a specific electrical cable of a pluralityof electrical conductive cables, the system may perform a calibration soas to eliminate the influence from the remaining part of the pluralityof electrical conductive cables.

The calibration is performed when the system is first installed, and isconsequently able to compensate for device or component degradation.

The present invention further relates to a method of calibrating asystem for measuring high voltage current in electrical conductors, themethod comprising:

-   -   providing an electrical conductor carrying high voltage current,    -   providing a light source,    -   providing a first optical conduit defining a first and a second        opposite end,        said light source connected to said first end of said first        optical conduit, said light source emitting light into said        first optical conduit,    -   providing a Faraday current measurement device defining a first        and a second opposite end, said first end of said Faraday        current measurement device connected to said second end of said        first optical conduit, said Faraday current measurement device        receiving said light from said first optical conduit,    -   providing a second optical conduit, defining a first and a        second opposite end, said first end connected to said second end        of said Faraday current measurement device,    -   providing an optical detection means for converting said light        to an electrical signal, said optical detection means connected        to said second end of said second optical conduit,    -   providing a current measurement system performing a measurement        of the current in said electrical conductor,    -   performing said measurement of said electrical current in said        electrical conductor, said system for measuring high voltage        current in electrical conductors calculating a calibration        constant, removing said current measurement system.

Preferably, the method of calibrating a system, further comprises:

-   -   said system for measuring high voltage current in electrical        conductors periodically, alternatively aperiodically,        recalculating said calibration constant by measuring the AC and        DC components of said electrical signal.

According to a particular aspect of the present invention, the methodfurther comprises the steps of initially determining the DC component ofsaid optical signal, then periodically determining the DC component ofsaid optical signal,

-   -   determining the actual AC component by multiplying the measured        AC component with the ratio of said initially determined DC        component and said periodically determinated DC component.

The method according to the present invention is preferably implementedusing the Faraday current measurement device also according to thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is now to be further described with reference tothe drawings in which

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a Faraday optical currentsensor,

FIG. 2 is a zoomed schematic cross-sectional view of a Faraday opticalcurrent sensor,

FIG. 3 illustrated a groove in the housing of a Faraday optical currentsensor,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an end of a Faraday optical currentsensor,

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an end of a Faraday optical currentsensor,

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a system for measuring electriccurrent comprising a Faraday optical current sensor,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the detection system that is a part of thesystem illustrated in FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a measurement set-up withthree electrical conductors and one Faraday optical current sensor

FIG. 9 illustrates a measurement set-up with a rectangular conductor,

FIG. 10 illustrates a measurement set-up with a circular conductor,

FIG. 11 illustrates a measurement set-up with a circular conductor withan insulating layer,

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a prototype implementation ofthe detection system and processing unit of the system illustrated inFIG. 6,

FIGS. 13 to 18 are schematically views of a prototype version of thepresent invention,

FIG. 19 schematically illustrates the components of the sensor,

FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic illustrations of a sensor housingaccording to the present invention,

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a cut-through sensor according tothe present invention,

FIG. 23 is a schematic view of two sensor lids,

FIG. 24 is a schematic view of an optical filter,

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a electrical cable, the B-field emittedtherefrom and a glass rod,

FIG. 26 is a schematic cut-through view of a

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a wire clip,

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a distance piece,

FIG. 29 is a graph illustrating the relation between current and opticalmagnitude,

FIG. 30 is a graph illustrating the degree of linearity of six sensors,and

FIG. 31 is a graph illustrating the relation between temperature of asensor and the optical magnitude.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross sectional view of a Faraday optical currentsensor 10, and FIG. 2 is a zoomed schematic cross sectional view of theFaraday optical current sensor 10 of FIG. 1. The Faraday optical currentsensor 10 comprises an oblong housing 12 defining a first and anopposite second end; designated 14 and 16 respectively. At the first end14 of the housing 12 a first sealing 18 is mounted, the first sealing 18having an aperture for receiving a first optical fibre 20. A first fibrefixture 22 mounted in the housing 12. The first fibre fixture 22 havinga aperture for receiving an optical fibre 20. An optical lens 24 havinga receiving section for receiving the optical fibre 20 and the fibrefixture 22. A first polarisation filter 26 mounted in opticalcontinuation with the optical lens 24. A glass rod 28 in opticalcontinuation with the first polarisation filter 26. At the opposite endof the glass rod 28 a second polarisation filter 30 is mounted inoptical continuation therewith. A second optical lens 32 is mounted inoptical continuation with the second polarisation filter 30. The secondoptical lens 32 including a receiving section for receiving a secondfibre fixture 34. A second sealing 36 having an aperture for receiving asecond optical fibre 38.

Two optical fibres 20, 38 are inserted through the first and secondsealings 18,36 into the first and second fibre fixtures 22,34,respectively. The optical fibres 20, 38 are mechanically fixated to thehousing 12 by means of two sensor lids 40,42, respectively. The sensorlids 40,42 fixate the fibres 20, 38 and seals the Faraday opticalcurrent sensor 10.

The material used to mould the sensor lids 56,58 is preferably a plasticmaterial able to withstand temperature ranges from −40 to 150° C. andhave an electrical isolating property. The material is preferablynon-permeable to light in the 400 to 1000 nm range. Materials with theabove mentioned properties may be a plastic materials such as Ultem orPeek.

The housing 12 may further comprise a set of wings 44 for the mountingof the Faraday optical current sensor 10 to an electrical conductor byplastic strips or other fastening means.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a faraday optical current sensor 10illustrating a groove 46 in the housing 12 extending parallel with theglass rod 28. The groove 46 may have a planar bottom wall oralternatively a rounded bottom wall for improving the fixation of theFaraday optical current sensor 10 to an electrical conductor. The groove46 is incorporated in the housing in order to bring the glass rod 28 asclose to the electrical conductor as possible and have the furtheradvantage of fixating the Faraday optical current sensor 10 at a90-degree angle with respect to the electrical conductor. The width ofthe groove 46 may be arbitrary but preferably have the same or shorterlength than the length of the glass rod 28. The fixation wings 44 may beincorporated in a geometrical expansion of the groove 46.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one end 14 of the Faraday optical currentsensor 10. The Figure illustrates the first polarisation filter 26mounted in the housing 12.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the opposite end of the Faraday opticalcurrent sensor 10 illustrated in FIG. 4. The Figure further illustratesthe second polarisation filter 30 mounted in the housing 12 rotated 45°with respect to the first polarisation filter 26. The geometricalconfiguration of the polarisation filters are illustrated as square,alternatively, the filters may have any geometrical configuration aslong as the polarisation planes of the two polarisation filters arerotated 45°, respectively.

A prototype version of the Faraday optical current sensor 10 having thefollowing mechanical dimensions has been constructed. The overall lengthof the housing 12 is 65 mm and the diameter 12.6 mm. The opening forreceiving the fibre is 7.5 mm. The wings 44 have an overall size of 11.6mm×40 mm from end to end. The groove has a length of 45 mm. The glassrod has a length of 35 mm and a diameter of 4 mm. The polarisationfilters are square, with each of the sides being 5.3 mm.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a system for measuring electric current ina conductor by utilising the Faraday effect in a magneto-opticaltransducer. The system comprises a light source 46. The light source maybe a light bulb or an LED based light source. The light emitted from thelight source 46 is guided through a first optical conductor 48, such asan optical fibre. The optical conductor 48 is connected to a Faradayoptical current sensor 16 comprising two polarisation filters 26, 30 anda magneto-optical material. The polarisation filters 26, 30 are rotated45° respectively. The Faraday optical current sensor 10 is mounted on anelectrical conductor 50 wherein a high voltage current flows, such as 10kV. The output end of the Faraday optical current sensor 10 is connectedto a second optical conductor 18, such as an optical fibre. The secondoptical conductor 18 is connected to a detection system 54, whichconverts the analogue optical signal to a digital signal. The digitalsignal from the detection system 54 is provided to a signal-processingunit 56, which performs a number of calculations on the data. Ameasurement device 58 is mounted on the electrical conductor 50 forcalibration purposes. The measurement device 58 is connected to acurrent measurement system 60 providing additional data to thesignal-processing unit 56.

The signal-processing unit 56 compares, stores and performs calculationson the data from the detection system 54 and the data from the currentmeasurement system 60.

Calibration of the system requires the signal processing unit 56 tocompare data from the detection system 54 and the current measurementsystem 60, the signal processing unit then stores these data. At the endof the calibration the stored data from each of the devices are summedup. The summed up data from the current measurement system 60 is dividedwith the summed up data from the detection system 54. The result of thisdivision is used as a calibration value, the calibration value is storedin the signal processing unit 56. The current measurement system 60 andthe measurement device 58 may be dismounted from the set-up.

The set-up illustrated in FIG. 6 having a light source 46, and Faradayoptical current sensor 10 and an optical detection system 54 aresensitive to electrical noise in the light source 46, optical noise inthe detection unit 54 and interference from magnetic fields from nearbyinductors and systems. The mounting and the set-up of the sensor 10 aswell as the shape and the diameter of the conductor to be measured havean influence on the measurements performed by the system. The system maybe used in a variety of locations around the world where temperaturevariations may occur often. The temperature may affect the operation ofthe light source 46 and the detector circuit in the detection system 54.Furthermore, the light source 46 and the detection system 54 as well asother components in the system may suffer to degradation over operationand product lifetime. A precise measurement depends on a stabile lightsource and determining the compensation factors for the implementedsystem as well as recording changes in light source output, long termvariations of the detection system and variation in temperature of thesurrounding environment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the detection system 54 of the currentmeasurement system. The detection system comprises a light sensitivecomponent 64 that converts the light received by the detection system 54from the light conduit 18. The light sensitive component 64 converts thelight to an electrical signal. The electrical signal comprises an AC anda DC component, the signal is divided in two and provided to twoamplifiers 66, 68 and the amplified signal from the amplifier 66 issupplied to a DC separator 70 separating the DC component from theamplified signal. The amplified signal from the amplifier 68 is suppliedto an AC separator 72 separating the AC component from the amplifiedsignal. The analogue signal processing unit 74 converts the DC separatedsignal and the AC separated signal from analogue signals to digitalsignals. The DC signal is compared to a stored DC signal value measuredduring calibration of the system. The percentage change from thecalibrated DC component is multiplied to the AC component. The signalfrom an optic Faraday effect sensor comprises a DC and an AC component.The AC component arises when a time-varying magnetic field is applied toFaraday optical current sensor 10. The DC component arises if a DC or anon-magnetic field is applied to the Faraday optical current sensor 10,if the AC signal includes a DC component, long-term variations of thedetection system and variations in temperature of the surroundings.

FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross sectional view of a set-up with threeelectrical conductors 76, 78, 80, each being a high voltage conductor.The concentric circles around each of the conductors represent theelectromagnetic field radiated therefrom, illustrating that measurementson electromagnetic fields emitted from one conductor 78 by a sensor 10may be influenced by fields radiated from other electrical conductors76, 80. The calibration process is performed in order to eliminate theinterference from neighbouring conductors and other electromagneticfields in the surroundings influencing the sensor 10. These othermagnetic fields may originate from electrical equipment within atransformer station in which the sensor is mounted, or fields radiatedfrom the electrical conductor on which the sensor is mounted beingreflected from the interior of the transformer station, alternativelyreflected electromagnetic fields emitted from neighbouring electricalconductors.

FIG. 9 illustrates a set-up with a Faraday optical current sensor 10mounted on a rectangular conductor 82.

FIG. 10 illustrates a Faraday optical current sensor 10 mounted directlyto a circular conductor 84.

FIG. 11 is a schematic cross sectional view of a Faraday optical currentsensor 10 mounted on a circular conductor 86 having a conductive core 88and an insulator layer 90 arranged surrounding the perimeter of theelectrically conductive core 88. The Faraday optical current sensor 10is a point measurement sensor, and the shape of the B-field and thedistance between the inductor are parameters to be considered. Theon-site calibration of the sensor system compensates for the B-fieldshaped variations and the distance from the inductor, as well as staticelectromagnetic fields present, originating from other sources.

The amplitude of the DC component where no magnetic field is applied tothe Faraday optical current sensor 10 depends on the intensity of thelight emitted from the light source, the resistance through the opticsystem and the detector circuit. The AC and DC components of the signalhave a linear correlation where no DC magnetic field is applied to theoptic Faraday effect current sensor.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a prototype implementation ofthe detection system 20 and signal-processing unit 22 of FIG. 6. Themodule 100 includes the sensor inputs 92 inputting the signal from theFaraday optic current sensor 10 to the detection system 20 illustratedin detail in FIG. 7. A number of optocouplers corresponding to thenumber of low voltage drop lines are used to determine the voltage onthe voltage drop lines, these voltages being in the range of 400 voltsAC. The module further includes a user interface input-output port 96 inthe prototype implementation, the input-output 96 in the prototypeversion is an RS-232 serial communications port. The input-output port96 is connected to a user interface module 106, used in the set-up andinitial calibration of the system.

The data from the detection system 20 and the 400 AC module 98 are sentto a signal and data processing unit 104, which performs a face matchingfor determining the face angle between the current and the voltage. In aprototype implementation of the measurement system, the signal and dataprocessing unit have been implemented as an embedded dual processorapplication. The system functionality is split into a measurement partand a communication part. The measurement part handles the scanning of 6current channels, the scanning of 3 voltage channels and thecalculations on the collected data.

The module further comprises a communication module 106 forcommunicating the data collected by the data processing unit of theprocessor unit 104. As the system may be installed in a remote locationand used for automatic surveillance of the operation of a transformerstation, the system may be connected to a central data collection sitecollecting data from a number of transformer stations for the safeoperation of an electrical distribution network. The communicationmodule 106 may be constituted by a module adapted for converting thedata from the data processing unit 104 to a communication protocols suchas GSM and/or ISDN, alternatively a data communication protocol, such asTCP/IP. The module further includes a transmitter unit 108, which, incase of the communications module being a GSM module is an antenna,alternatively a local area network port or the like. The module 100further includes a power supply 110 supplying the module with electricalpower. The power is supplied to a power management unit 112 dividing thepower as system power and for charging a battery module 114 for the safeoperation of the module 100 is case of power failure.

In the prototype implementation of the module 100, the protocol forcommunication the status of the transformer station is described indetail below in a number of tables.

FIGS. 13 to 18 are schematic block diagrams of a prototype versionaccording to the present invention. All components are described by nameand product number in the illustrations, and are considered to beself-explanatory when taking in to account the descriptions above.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a prototype version of a 10 kVSSaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a schematic block diagram of a DC current sensor. In theprototype version the DC sensor have 6 channels, each channel beingsupplied with a signal from a sensor circuit illustrated in detail inFIG. 14B.

FIG. 15 A is a schematic block diagram of a current sensor. In theprototype version the sensor have 6 channels, each channel beingsupplied with a signal from a sensor circuit illustrated in detail inFIG. 15B.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a voltage sensor circuit.

FIG. 17A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a power managementcircuit.

FIG. 17B is a schematic block diagram illustrating a power managementcircuit co-operating with the power management circuit illustrated inFIG. 17A.

FIG. 18 is a schematic block diagram of an RS-232 communications portand the signals relating thereto.

In the following another embodiment of the present invention isdiscussed. Parts reoccurring in this embodiment and where discussed inrelation to the drawings 1 through 18 will have similar referencenumerals.

FIG. 19 is an illustration similar to that of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrates a second embodiment of a sensor 10′according to the present invention. The sensor housing 12′ is the mainelement in the sensor 10′. It handles the mounting on the cable andfixture of the optics. The housing 12′ is designed so it is possible forwelding. The plastic is designed to withstand temperatures from −40° C.to 250° C. and have an isolating effect for electricity and heat. Thesensor 10′ is in the presently preferred embodiment made from PEEKwithout glass reinforcement. PEEK grades offer chemical and hydrolysisresistance similar to PPS, but may operate at higher temperatures.Un-reinforced compression moulded PEEK offers a high degree of wearresistance.

PEEK may be used continuously up to 480° F. (250° C.) and in hot wateror steam without permanent loss in physical properties. PEEK carries aV-O flammability rating and exhibits very low smoke and toxic gasemission when exposed to flames.

The sensor wing 44′ is used to mounting the device onto an electricalcable. It is formed so that strips up to 5 mm may be used to fasten thedevice to a cable. The strips are preferably made of Teflon so that theymay withstand wide temperature ranges and tough environmentalinfluences. The sensor wing 44′ is integrated in the sensor housing 12′and is designed for moulding.

On the surface of the sensor 10′ facing the cable, the sensor 10′ has anarea 46′ with where the diameter is smaller compared to the rest of thesensor 10′. This area 46′ enables a location of the faraday rotatorclose to the cable and fixes the sensor 10′ 90° degrees relative to thecable.

A short distance between the conductor and sensor 10′ is importantbecause the intensity of the magnetic field decreases approximately byone divided with the distance from the cable.

The faraday light rotator 28′ is mounted in the housing 12′. Thetolerance is kept tight therefor the glass rod 28′ is mounted with alight press fit.

The Polaroid filters 26′ and 30′ are mounted in the housing 12′ inoptical continuation with the glass rod 28′. The filters 26′ and 30′ areturned 45° degrees with respect to each other. This is done to obtainthe largest signal bandwidth.

It has been tried to glue the filters 26′ and 30′ onto the glass rod28′, this should gain 4–5% more light through the optical matrix. Butdue to different temperature gradients in glass, glue and filters, thefilters fell of in stress tests. It was also less cost efficient inproduction. In the presently preferred embodiment, a small lowering hasbeen design in the sensor housing 12′ to fix the Polaroid filters 26′and 30′. The filters 26′ and 30′ may move according to temperaturechanges and has still have a reasonable optical construction. Thefilters 26′ and 30′ are fixed in the square and the lens.

The Polaroid filter is used for viewing the angle turn of the light. ThePolaroid filter is made of plastics and is only 0.2 mm thick. ThePolaroid filter is of such a material that is holds it strength within atemperature range of −40° C.–80° C. The filter is linear polarised andmade by a punching tool in production. The filter may be steameddirectly onto the glass rod.

The lenses 24′ and 32′ are mounted in the housing 12′ in opticalcontinuation with the filters 26′ and 30′, respectively. The lenses 24′and 32′ holds the Polaroid filters 26′ and 30′ in the squares. Thelenses 24′, 32′ are mounted with a small press fit, and is thereforefixed in the optical matrix.

The optic fibre is placed into the fibre fixture 128, illustrated inFIG. 26. When the fibre fixture is clicked into the optical lens system,the fibre end is positioned in the focal point. When fibre fixture isplaced in the optical lens, it tightens around the fibre takes care ofmechanical stress.

Silicon sealings 18′ and 36′ are placed at opposite ends of the housing12′. The sealing plugs 18′ and 36′ are used for sealing the sensor 10′thereby protecting it against dust, steam, water and other deterioratinginfluences. The sealing also functions as a tightening of the opticfibres, not illustrated here.

The function of the sealing is to secure the optical part of the sensor10′, primarily against water and dust. When the lid is pressed onto thesensor housing 12′ the sealing is pressed against the fibre to handlemechanical stress. The sealing is designed to hold its strength within atemperature range of −40° C.–120° C. It has a good resistant tochemicals and ozone.

In FIGS. 19 and 23, two sensor lids, 40′ and 42′ are illustrated. Thesensor lids 40′, 42′ may be fastened to the housing 12′. The sensor lidsare easily clicked onto the housing 12′.

Each of the sensor lids is used to fixture of the fibre and sealing ofthe sensor 10′. The lids 40′, 42′ are constructed and designed so it ispossible for plastic welding.

The lids are today made from PEEK without glass reinforcement, which ispreferably the same material as the housing 12′. The sensor lid 40′, 42′is designed with a cone, which enables a one time fixable with thesensor housing.

The sensor lid has a round and short bottom, so when it is mounted inthe sensor housing 12′ with the sealing, is squeezes the sealing aroundthe fibre and closes the sensor 10′ so that it is protected against dirtand other pollutants.

The optic fibre transports the light from the light emitter to thesensor 10′ and from the sensor 10′ on to a light detector.

In the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, theoptical fibre is a full duplex fibre with Kevlar reinforcement forstrain relief. The optic fibre matches for visible red light in theregion 400–700 nm. It has a core diameter of 1 mm and an overalldiameter for 2.2 mm. The operating temperature range is from −25 degreesto +100 degrees continuously and up to 120 degrees shortly. The cuttingand polish of the fibre ends are important for the system. The fibre ispolished according to a 9 my standard in 3 polishing rounds. This polishgrain size is the optimum according to price and light damping. At thesensor housing 12′ end of the fibre, the fibre is sealed with silicon sothat no humidity may enter the fibre and creeping distance inside thefibre can not occur.

The function of the glass rod is the light rotator, and is the “motor”in the sensor 10′. It is constructed of a BK7 material with a low Verdetconstant of 0.023 min/G-cm by a wavelength of 620 nm. It is polished atthe ends according to S:D: 40:60 and the material is strain relieved inproduction after moulding. The material has been selected due to a lowchange of Verdet constant regarding temperature, low but ok Verdetsconstants for signal and low cost.

The width of the glass rod has been selected from the optimum with ofthe lens. The angle between the magnetic field and the light beam can bedescribes as a cosine function. If the magnetic field is 90 degrees infront of the light, no rotation effect occurs. The length of the glassrod is linear to the signal output. The B-field 120 on a round conductor122 is illustrated in FIG. 25.

The rotating effect of the field decreases due to higher angle betweenthe light and magnetic field. The damping of the light in the system isalso crucial for a good signal. When the light is bend by the lens it isnot perfectly linear to the optimal direction, therefore the longerglass rod the less light passes through. The length of the glass rod hasbeen decided from tests to se an optimum between the magnetic fieldeffect and damping of light.

In FIG. 27 a fibre distance clip 124 is illustrated. The function of thefibre distance clip 124 is to fix the fibre at a distance from thecable. The clip 124 is designed to press and hold the fibre, and fix thefibre to the cable with the panduit Teflon strip.

The distance between the fibre and the cable is needed for thermal andelectrical isolation reasons. The optical fibre as it is today, is onlycapable to withstand peak temperatures of approximately 120 degrees.Since the electrical cable may reach temperatures up to 250 degrees,there must be a thermal isolating distance. The fibre is also separatedfrom the cable to avoid a humidity bridge and a possible creepingdistance. The fibre distance clip 124 is moulded in Peek, the samematerial as used for the sensor housing 12′.

A sensor clip is illustrated in FIG. 28. The clip 126 creates a higherthermal resistance between the cable and sensor 10′. So if the sensor10′ the mounted directly on a wire, the clip 126 is press fitted ontothe sensor wing 44′. This clip 126 makes it possible with a cabletemperature of 300 degrees, not having above 120 degrees inside thesensor 10′.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate test results obtained during tests involvingsix sensors according to the present invention. The graphs show that thesensors exhibit linear properties as a function of current in anelectrical conductor.

FIG. 30 illustrates the degree of linearity of the six sensors.

FIG. 31 is a graph illustrating the output signal of a sensor as afunction of the temperature in the surrounding environment and thesensor.

Theoretical Background of the Invention

When a simple fibre optic Faraday Effect sensor is mounted on aconductor for example in a transformer station or on an installationcable, the output optic signal is sensitive for interference frommagnetic fields from nearby systems, conductor shape, sensor placementand distance to conductor. The output optic signal is also sensitive tosystem mounting and set-up.

The object of this invention is to achieve an accurate device formeasuring an electric current by the Faraday Effect, by compensatingon-site for interference from magnetic fields from nearby inductors,conductor shape, distance from measuring device to conductor, and alsomounting and setup.

This object is achieved by comparing data measured by the fibre opticsystem with a third party current measurement system during set-up ofthe system on-site.

The B-field measured by the fibre optic system is named B_(measured).The actual current is determined according to the equation:

I_(actual) = K_(Calib) * B_(measured)[A]${{Were}\mspace{14mu} K_{Calib}} = {\sum\limits_{0}^{n}\left( {I_{{{Measured}\mspace{14mu}{on}\mspace{14mu}{third}\mspace{14mu}{party}\mspace{14mu}{system}})}/{\sum\limits_{0}^{n}\left( B_{{{Measured}\mspace{14mu}{on}\mspace{14mu}{optic}\mspace{14mu}{system}})} \right.}} \right.}$

This calibration method compromises for linear magnetic fieldinterference from nearby inductors, and the conversion factor betweenthe B-field and current. It also compromises for production tolerances,conductor shape, conductor diameter and background noise, all whenmounted in the active application.

After the calibration, the third party system is removed, and the fibreoptic current measurement system is a stand-alone measurement system.

In the addition to use the sensor at all, it is crucial to be calibratedon-site. A third party measurement device is used to measure theelectrical current. This device can be a current coil or other currentmeasurement devices that is calibrated, and for which the surroundingfield can be ignored. The signal or data from the third party currentmeasurement device is computed in a third party measurement system andsend to the signal-processing unit.

The signal-processing unit compares the data from the two devices andstore the data. After a certain period, the calibration is stopped andthe stored data from each device is summed up. The summed up data fromthe third party current measurement system is divided with the summed updata from the optic sensor. This value is used as a calibration valueand is stored in the signal-processing unit. The third party measurementsystem and device can be dismounted. The optic system has now anaccurate calibration value for the application it is mounted on.

In a set-up with 3 conductors the magnetic field from nearby conductorsmay affect the measurement. On an inductor a fibre optic Faraday Effectsensor is mounted. The magnetic fields from all 3 conductors affect thesensor. The B-field measured by a sensor x is:B _(sum) _(—) _(sensor) _(—) _(x) =B _(L1) +B _(L2) +B _(L3)

During calibration B_(sum) _(—) _(sensor) _(—) _(x) is compared with thedata from the third part measurement device. From this calibration thecalibration constant K_(Calib) is determined. This constant contains thecontribution from all 3 phases, means that the constant only is validfor a linear B-field.

The B-field is relatively known for a circular conductor, but theB-field is not known for a rectangular conductor. The fibre opticFaraday Effect sensor creates only a point measurement, this means thatthe shape of the B-field and distance from the inductor is a crucialparameter. The on-site calibrations of the sensor compensates for thedifferent B-field shape and distance from the inductor.

The signal from an optic Faraday Effect current sensor consist of an acand dc component. The ac component exists when the time varying magneticfield is applied to the sensor. The DC component exists if a DC or anon-magnetic field is applied to the sensor.

The object of this invention is to achieve an accurate device formeasuring an electric current in AC system, by the Faraday Effect, byelectrically measuring the AC and DC component, to compensate viasoftware for degradation of system optics over time. This compensationis bound in the compensation described above.

The size of the DC component, when no magnetic field is applied to thesensor depends on the output of the light exposed from the light source,the “light resistance” through the optic system, and the detectorcircuit. There is a linear coherence between the ac- and dc-component ofthe signal, assuming that there is no DC magnetic field applied to thesensor, no long term variations of the detection system and no variationin the temperature of the surrounding environment.

The compensated optical signal, U_(ac) _(—) _(actual), is determined by:U _(ac) _(—) _(actual)=(U _(dc) _(—) _(calib) /U _(dc) _(—) _(actual))U_(ac) _(—) _(measured)Were:

U_(ac) _(—) _(actual) is the compensated optic ac signal,

U_(dc) _(—) _(actual) is the actual measured dc component,

U_(dc) _(—) _(calib) is the dc signal measured when system wascalibrated,

U_(ac) _(—) _(measured) is the actual measured optic ac signal.

The equation above show how to compensate for changes in the dccomponent due to optic changes, temperature, change of performance forlight source, change of performance for detector, change of opticalresistance in sensor due to life-time.

The following is a description of a prototype version of the presentinvention.

In a prototype version of the present invention a system measuring theactual current in and out of the transformer station plus the 400Vvoltage, reports the measured values via SMS messages over a GSM-modem.

The measured values could be: Actual current (averaged over the lastsecond) for all channels, peak current with direction and timestamp forall channels, 400 V status with timestamp for last dropout, systemcondition.

Values are send to a service technician, alternatively to a server, onrequest and when alarm limits is exceeded.

More or less complex calculations may be implemented, as well assampling rates, number of current channels etc may vary. The basicbuilding blocks is the current calculation, the calibration and thecorrection according to the DC signal.

A prototype version of the present invention includes a processor systemwith embedded software or firmware. The main task for the firmware ofthe system may be divided into a number of tasks: Measurement andlinearisation of current flow, calculation of current direction,correction according to DC signal and communication with server orservice personal.

In the prototype version of the present invention six current channelsand three voltage channels are feed into the processor system comprisingthe firmware through an optocoupler and an AD-converter. The phasebetween the current and the voltage is used to determine the directionof the current.

Each current channel of the system is principally constructed from anamplifier and filter part followed by an AD-converter. When the signalhas passed the AD-converter the firmware performs of all thepost-processing of the signal.

Each current channel is divided into two signals: The AC current signaland the DC component, both of which are feed through the AD converter.The optical current signal (U_(AC)) is used to calculate the actualcurrent. The DC component of the optical current signal is used tocalculate the degeneration factor.

The DC Signal (U_(DC)) from the optical sensor combined with the DCcomponent is used to calculate the degeneration factor, and from that,the actual calibration constant (K_(Calib)).U _(RMS) =Σ|U _(AC) −V _(REF)|I _(RMS) =K _(Calib) ×U _(RMS)

The DC component of the signal is removed and the RMS value iscalculated as the integral of the numerical value. The value ismultiplied by the calibration constant (K_(Calib)) and the result is thecurrent flowing in the actual channel.

The calculation is done for every 50 Hz period. The post-processing ofthe result is done by the communication part of the system.

Detection, or determination, of the current direction is done throughmeasuring the phase angle between the current and the voltage for theactual channel.

The phase angle depends on the type of load and the direction of thecurrent. The type of load for the actual transformer station is chosenduring calibration. If the phase difference, during an inductor load, isbetween −90° and +90° the current direction is positive.

The current phase is grasped from the optical sensors on the 10 kV line.The voltage phase is captured from the 400V line, due to the fact thatthe 10 kV voltage is not monitored.

The voltage phase is delayed through the transformation from 10 kV to400V. Therefore the phase is modified with 30° times the transformerfactor.

The firmware in the system compensates for the degeneration of thesystem by looking on the DC component of the signal. This is donethrough correction of the initial calibration constant with thedegeneration factor.U _(AC,DC) =ΣU _(AC) −V _(REF)U _(DC,AVR)=(ΣU _(DC))/n, where U _(DC) is summed up from 0 to nsamples.K _(Calib)=(K _(Calib,Init) ×U _(DC,Init))/(U _(DC) −U _(AC,DC))

The DC component of the measured AC value is subtracted from themeasured DC signal to remove the DC component of the current flowing inthe inductor.

Both U_(DC) and U_(AC) are sampled over a long period (e.g. one minute).

Besides using the calibration constant calculating the actual current,it also used as an indication of the overall system condition. Themonitoring of this is done in the communication part.

After calculation of the actual currents and directions the measuringsystem takes care of the system specific calculations. These will varyfrom one implementation to another.

1. A method of measuring high voltage current in electrical conductors,said method comprising: providing a light source selected from the groupconsisting of at least one of an LED based light source and anincandescent light source, providing a first optical conduit being afirst optical fibre, said first optical conduit conducting light emittedfrom said light source, providing an optical electric currentmeasurement device comprising: a housing defining a first open end and asecond open end opposite said first open end, a first sealing meanshaving an aperture, said first sealing means having an overallgeometrical configuration corresponding to the overall geometricalconfiguration of said first open end of said housing, said first sealingmeans further comprising an aperture adapted for receiving said firstoptical fibre, a first fixture means for fixating said first opticalfibre, a first optical lens having a reception part adapted forreceiving said first fixture means for mounting said first optical fibrein optical continuation with said first optical lens, said first opticallens mounted in said housing, a first polarisation filter mounted insaid housing in optical continuation with said first optical lens, aglass rod received in and encapsulated within said housing in opticalcontinuation with said first polarisation filter, said glass rod beingconstructed from a material having magneto-optical properties, a secondpolarisation filter mounted in said housing in optical continuation withsaid glass rod, a second optical lens mounted in said housing in opticalcontinuation with said second polarisation filter, said second opticallens adapted for receiving a second fixture means, a second fixturemeans for fixating a second optical fibre, said second fixture meansreceived in said second optical lens, a second sealing means for sealingsaid second end of said housing, said second sealing means having anaperture for receiving a second optical fibre, said second sealing meansmounted in said second end of said housing end, and a first and secondlid adapted for fixation to said first and second end, respectively, ofsaid housing, said first and second lid including an aperture forreceiving said first and second optical fibre respectively, said opticalelectric current measurement device receiving said light from said firstoptical conduit, a second optical conduit being said second opticalfibre, said second optical conduit receiving said light emitted fromsaid optical electric current measurement device, providing a detectionmeans for detecting said light emitted from said second optical conduitand converting said received light to an electrical signal, providing aprocessing means for processing said electrical signal from saiddetection means, providing a current measurement system for performingcalibration measurements for said system, and providing a firstcommunications means.
 2. A method according to claim 1, said methodfurther comprising: providing a computer connected to a secondcommunication means, said computer located in a central location, andsaid computer including a interface for communicating status of a systemfor measuring high voltage current in electrical conductors to anoperator.
 3. A method according to claim 1, wherein: said first andsecond communication means being a communications network selected fromthe group consisting of at least one of the Internet, a local areanetwork, a wireless local area network, a wide area network, a globalarea network, a publicly switch telephone network, and a fixed wirelessnetwork.